Four years after UK pub chain J D Wetherspoon purchased the site of the former nightclub Carbon (formerly GPO) in Eglinton Street in Galway, a decision is soon to be expected regarding whether or not the proposed plans will go ahead.
The plans would see the old nightclub turned into a two-storey pub named ‘The Three Red Sails’, with an extension on the first floor to aid the creation of a roof terrace.
If approved, the pub would become the eighth bar owned by the chain in Ireland.
The plans were brought to the council in July 2022, but many concerns were lodged by locals.
For example, there are concerns from nearby residents over potential noise pollution, particularly regarding the proposed roof terrace.
There were also concerns over the height of signage, with requests put forth for the signage to remain level with the other buildings on the street. However, these concerns from local residents were followed up by well wishes and excitement at the prospect of a new business on the street.
The council also raised concerns about the potential damage to the site should the proposed plans proceed, which they argued could be of archaeological potential, especially in regard to the demolition of the ground floor.
J D Wetherspoon also suggested changing the proposed name of the pub from ‘The Three Red Sails’ to ‘Na Trí Seolta Dearga’ in order to correspond with the importance and prominence of the Irish language in Galway.
Given the decline in the nightlife culture of Galway City following numerous nightclub closures, the pub chain expects that their main clientele will be students of University of Galway, and it is hoped that a final decision will be made soon.
